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TRUCKEE, Calif. — The Northern Sierra Partnership (NSP) welcomed more than 200 members of the public to Independence Lake Preserve on July 7 for the inaugural celebration of the Partnership’s conservation work in the northern Sierra. The event introduced the community to the natural beauty and unique ecosystem of Independence Lake Preserve, a place largely unknown by many residents yet only 15 miles north of Truckee.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed ecology tours led by The Nature Conservancy’s lead ecologist Jim Gaither and Sagehen Creek Field Station’s director Jeff Brown, kayaking and motorboating, children’s activities with environmental educator Gina Layh, and fly-casting instruction with California Fly Fishing Magazine publisher and Truckee Town Council member Richard Anderson alongside Trout Unlimited Field Director David Lass and other expert anglers. Activities were followed by an unforgettable barbecue lunch catered by Truckee’s Farm-to-Belly and welcoming remarks by NSP President Lucy Blake, who thanked NSP’s federal, state and local partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Truckee River Watershed Council, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Harry Reid, who sent representatives to the event.

Independence Lake Preserve is open to the public year-round for walk-in day use. The Nature Conservancy maintains a fleet of kayaks, pontoon float tubes, and small motorboats for the public’s use, free of charge, from late May or June to late October. By maintaining boats for exclusive use on Independence Lake, the Conservancy is reducing the risk of aquatic invasive species. For the same reason, no outside watercraft are permitted on the Preserve.

To address the requests of some recreational users for the quiet enjoyment of the Preserve, non-motorized watercraft are available throughout the summer and motorboats are available every other week. To plan a day of hiking, swimming, fishing, boating and picnicking visit www.northernsierrapartnership.org/project/independence-lake/

The Northern Sierra Partnership partners are: Feather River Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Business Council, Truckee Donner Land Trust, and The Trust for Public Land. Visit www.northernsierrapartnership.org.